Communicator
December 2011 • Freeport, IL
Chamber Services Build Success Climbing to the Top Tony Carton Communicator Editor Chamber membership is more than just networking Joining a local Chamber of Commerce is a longstanding business tradition that has always had advantages. When business requirements change, chamber organizations transform to ensure that they continue providing the services, support, and solutions their members need. The Freeport Area Chamber of Commerce (FACC) offers many valuable exclusive benefits to its members and the real value found in those benefits comes through participation. The chamber’s monthly Rise N’ Shine and its Business after Hours events offer exceptional networking potential and are fun activities to boot. Be sure to bring plenty of business cards and handouts to tap into the full networking power of these gettogethers. Networking socially The Freeport Area Chamber of Commerce is about more than just networking. It is about networking with the right people. “The chamber’s monthly Rise N’ Shine and its Business after Hours events are basically great
ways to get your company name out there make contacts that will promote your business,” said FACC Member Services Coordinator Tiffany King. “It is an invaluable resource for a new business.” The Chamber will also do ribbon cuttings for any new or remodeled business or organization at no cost. We supply the media, chamber ambassadors, ribbon, and scissors. Get those doors open in style. Contact the chamber to schedule a date. Educational opportunities Nothing says outstanding opportunity like education, and no activities will grow Freeport area businesses faster or more effectively than educational events. “We had great success with our new Business U program,” King said. “We will be starting up again in February, 2012 with new speakers, new topics and new ideas that will help business grow.” She said plans are underway for yet another new service that will build referrals and connect area businesses. Other chamber hosted
educational opportunities include Leadership Café offering helpful directions for not-forprofit directors, staff, and board members; Small Business “YOU”, offering timely speakers and seminars with helpful
information for small business owners; HR Luncheons connecting Human Resources representatives; the annual Chik-fil-A Leadercast featuring a broad range of nationally recognized world leaders and speakers, and the Dave Ramsey EntreLeadership event. Also, the chamber will help spread the word about fundraisers hosted by its members. Contact the chamber offices to be included in the
FACC weekly events E-mail reaching over 700 mailboxes throughout the Freeport area. FACC hosts numerous networking, educational and social events throughout the year and blast-emails announcing those activities are sent to chamber members. Be sure to update Econtact information regularly and check out the FACC website and Facebook page for fresh events and new information. E-commerce Providing an active website that effectively connects the chamber with its members and business remains an FACC priority. “We realize that more and more of our members seek information from the web,” said FACC President/CEO Kim Grimes. “Communicating our message as fast as possible to our hundreds of members is crucial to our success. Our website is developing into a critical tool connecting our membership with the services they need to succeed.” Grimes said that many of the ‘hits’ on the chamber site come SEE
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AFTER 2 BUSINESS HOURS
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CHAMBER HAPPENINGS
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MEMBER NEWS
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FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 27 W. Stephenson St, Freeport IL 61032 www.freeportilchamber.com Phone: 815.233.1350 Fax: 815.235.4038 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Kim Grimes kim.grimes@freeportilchamber.com
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES COORDINATOR: Tiffany King tiffany.king@freeportilchamber.com
RECEPTIONIST: Julie Huber COMMUNICATION EDITOR: Tony Carton The Chamber of Commerce Communicator is published on a monthly basis with the partnership of The Journal-Standard paper. We thank them for their continual effort to keep this publication in print!
DATES TO REMEMBER... DECEMBER 15 Business after Hours Stewart and Associates 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. DECEMBER 20 Board of Directors Meeting Chamber Conference Room #1 7:30 a.m. DECEMBER 23 Chamber Offices Close at NOON DECAMBER 26 Christmas Holiday Observed Chamber Offices are Closed
Kim’s Korner C
hristmas, it’s almost here and it’s also that time of year when I remind everyone how important it really is to attempt to do as much of your holiday shopping in your home town. Not to beat a dead horse but I remind everyone that when you shop locally not only are you helping your local businesses who probably are some of your friends and neighbors, but also by shopping locally you are keeping those all important sales tax dollars in your community. These dollars help the local government’s budget for their expenses, payroll, police, fire, street department, etc. Speaking of shopping locally, have you paid a visit recently to the Stephenson County CVB Office? They hosted this months Rise ‘N Shine and their Christmas display is spectacular featuring gift items from local businesses and vendors. Stop out and check them out for great Christmas gift ideas! We thank the Country Inn and Suites for hosting November’s Business after Hours. Everyone enjoyed great food and the networking. Thanks to Dave Swift, Kay Halbin and their staff for a wonderful evening. Tonight is the big Christmas Business after Hours at the Stewart Centre. Brian Stewart and his staff do a terrific job in hosting this annual event. We hope to see many of you there tonight. We want to thank Linda Swalve and her staff at the local Illinois Department of Employment Security Office for once again co-sponsoring
after H BUSINESS
with the Chamber our Annual “Business needs Business” Workshop. We had a good turn out of business people who had a chance to learn more about the free services that they provide. I also had a chance to attend FACC’s Annual Hunger Luncheon hosted by their Executive Director Dean Wright. Dean presented a startling video about decaying of some of our houses and buildings around Freeport. The video also called reference to the great need of so many who use FACC’s Services. I also sit on the Salvation Army’s Board and recognize how many unfortunate citizens right here in our backyard are stricken by poverty. As Dean Wright said “We have to take care of our own and now is the time to start.” Prospering Together will be unveiling their Stephenson County Plan in January for everyone to see. It’s very exciting, but we need everyone’s help to get our community turned in the right direction. Finally thanks to our Chamber Membership for your support this year and we look forward to a great 2012. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
URS
JANUARY 3 Executive Meeting Chamber Conference Room #1 7:30 a.m. JANUARY 4 Rise ’n Shine Breakfast FHN 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. JANUARY 12 Finance Committee Meeting Chamber Conference Room #2 7:30 a.m.
Business after Hours was hosted by Country Inn and Suites. Everyone enjoyed all the delicious food and wonderful conversation! The Chamber would like to thank Country Inn and Suites for all their hospitality and for such a perfect evening.
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FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
FIFTH THIRD BANK SUPPORTS LOCAL MILITARY FAMILIES “Supporting those who support our country is the least we can do,” remarked Brian Borger, Financial Center Manager, Fifth Third Bank Freeport. Borger was referring to the bank’s recent support of local military families and local veterans. Through the month of October and November, employees of the bank volunteered hundreds of hours helping veterans and military organizations throughout Illinois. They also collected donations for the Folds of Honor Foundation (a national organization that provides educational scholarships of families of soldiers wounded or killed in action. On Veterans Day, hundreds more gave up what is traditionally a bank holiday and spent the day at Chicago’s famed Union Station assembling 530 care packages for area soldiers serving in Afghanistan, raising money for educational scholarships, and hosting a special ceremony that honored area veterans and active duty troops. Chicago Major Rahm Emanuel was among several elected officials and dignitaries
the uniform of the United State attending the event. “This isn’t Armed Forces,” Sullivan said. about showing your support by “We commemorate all those who putting a bumper sticker on have risked their lives to your car,” said Major Ed Pulido, preserve the liberty of our Retired Army and Vice nation, the families who support President, Folds of Honor them, and the heroes no longer Foundation. “What the with us.” employees at Fifth Third Bank did was to get involved in ways that are meaningful; they really rolled up their sleeves and got to work and made a difference.” The president and CEO of Fifth Third Bank Chicago, Robert A. Sullivan, announced at the event that the bank had raised $100,000 that Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel stands with recipients of Fifth Third Bank’s military educational scholarships at the bank’s recently held will provide Veterans Day event. scholarships for local military families. “We are honored to come together and pay tribute to the men and women who have worn
Helping those who serve our country is more than a tagline and an event on Veterans Day . At Fifth Third, they also have a suite of products designed just for those who have served in the military. The Military Banking Benefit program at Fifth Third Bank is open to active duty, reserve/guard, veterans, retired and immediate family members. It provides discounted banking services to those who have sacrificed so much for our country” Borger went on to explain that the Military Banking Benefit program at Fifth Third includes up to 10 free ATM transactions per month at any banks ATM, 1⁄2 percent discount point on mortgage loans, and VA mortgage loans with low or no money down. “I encourage anyone who has interest in learning more about our support of area veterans and our military banking to stop into any Fifth Third Bank,” Borger said. ■
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from potential visitors to Freeport and noted that with everyone from new members, to visitors, to long-standing chamber supporters using the site, it has become a primary source of reference and information for the chamber and the community. Chamber members will find the “Hot Deals” page on the chamber web site useful for announcing any specials or coupons offered by their businesses free of charge, and the “Member to Member Deals” page allows for posts offering special deals for “chamber members only” to be added, again at no charge. The “Member to Member forum” opens conversation between chamber members in a private business forum, and events can be posted in the regularly updated Events Calendar at no cost.
FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Also, members can call ChamberMaster at (800) 8259171 for advertising rates that will upgrade their businesses’ presence on the chamber website. “We continue working to meet the needs of our membership in the area of E-commerce,” Grimes said. “We know it is the future. We’ve made some big changes already and more are on the way.” Growth through strength and understanding
FACC strives to make IL government more businessfriendly Freeport Area Chamber of Commerce (FACC) membership and participation in the organization is important for businesses that want to succeed in today’s competitive economy. The stakes are too high for the business community to take a passive role in government. FACC continually works to promote and strive for improvement in Illinois by encouraging its members to
know their government and actively participate in the decisions that affect business. Legislative connections FACC hosts regularly scheduled events that provide its membership with the opportunity to meet and speak with their legislative representatives. FACC president Kim Grimes said those events usually take the form of luncheons and both Representative Jim Sacia and Senator Tim Bivens participate. “We are hosting another Legislative Luncheon in January,” said Grimes. “Representative Sacia and Senator Bivens will be our guests again and both will share their thoughts on events in Springfield and then we will be taking questions from the chamber members.” Grimes said the luncheons generally give chamber members an opportunity to hear firsthand about legislative issues that directly affect the Freeport area. FACC also maintains a direct line with the Illinois Chamber of Commerce to support its work in growing business in Illinois. During a recent visit, Illinois Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Douglas Whitley stressed the importance of chamber work in the Freeport area. He said the
state chamber is watching tax law issues currently under consideration by the legislature, specifically the proposals to decouple Illinois from the federal bonus depreciation law, reinstatement of the net operating loss provision, a fiveyear extension for the research
and development tax credit and an increase in the estate tax deduction. “Every business was affected by the tax increases in January and legislators are asking us what do small businesses have to say about this because there is some backlash,” Whitley said. “We need to talk about what we can to turn things around and find what we can do to help the employers in Illinois, big or small recognize that it is a great state to do business in and that they ought to be growing and investing in Illinois.” He said those discussions have to be a two way dialogue. “We cannot let our legislators operate without input from Chambers of Commerce,” Whitley said. “We’ve got to get that dialogue going and it’s got to be more aggressive especially CONTINUED
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We’ll ... Make it Hampton!
109 South Galena Ave. Freeport, IL 61032 815-232-7100
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FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2011 PREFERRED MEMBERS
GOLD MEMBERS
Law Offices of Ralph E. Elliott Reid Enterprises Rock River Valley Blood Center Fishburn, Whiton, Thruman, LTD Berner Food & Beverage Freeport Community Foundation John H. Vogt Bomar Heating & Cooling Fehr-Graham & Associates Stout Insurance Agency Country Insurance & Financial Freidag Associates CPAs Services - Rick Wilson Altman Automotive Inc. Spherion Staffing Group Integrity Investments Freeport Insurance Center Swift Hospitality Group, Inc. Alwayz Cookies Behr Freeport Rite-Way Furniture & Appliance Cathy’s Custom Cakery Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens Jack Myers Consulting QBE the Americas Fruth-Simmer Insurance Agency Freeport Massage Center Twice As Nice Consignments Floor Covering Plus Hulsebus-Gehlsen Chiropractic Maybe You Need Help... Culligan Water Conditioning Union Savings Bank
SILVER MEMBERS Iron-T Junction Brown’s Shoes Family Affair Café
BRONZE MEMBERS
Bill George Plumbing & Heating AquaLand Baymont Inn and Suites Dental Connections Family Health Quest Newby Design Works Citizens State Bank Farmers Insurance Group-Lynn Kempel Midtown Center
We would like to give special recognition to the following businesses that provide extra support to the Freeport Area Chamber of Commerce.
Columbia College Winter & Associates Ultrasonic Power Corp. Freeport Park District Eagles Club Pinewood Buffet & Grill Monroe Clinic Downing Remodeling General Contractors, Inc Flachtemeier Monuments LeBaron & Miller Interiors Winter Construction Inc.
Schofield Plumbing State Farm Insurance – Jon Spachman C. J. Vitner Co., Inc. Saxer Accounting Services, LLC Tender Loving Care State Farm Insurance – Steve Johnson Skate Station Sanitary Cleaners
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as we go into a new election year.” He said Illinois Chamber published a document earlier this year called the Jobs Agenda and was able to pass some legislation from that project. “We are going to revisit the Jobs Agenda for January of 2012 and we will use it for political campaign purposes to try to get more legislators to focus on the economy and jobs,” Whitley said. Our message is going to be that you have to grow out of economic doldrums and one of the ways you do that is the government has got to be a partner not a barrier.” “The Chamber of Commerce is more than a networking assistant,” Grimes said. “It is a local business resource. Membership is a “value added” tool for a business. The chamber’s goal always is to make sure we can be an advocate for our member businesses. When seen in that light, chamber membership helps allow our members to contribute to a strong economic base in our community.”
We’ve made some big changes already and more are on the way.” Let the chamber help ramp up your marketing
Tap into chamber resources to find success Chamber of Commerce membership is an effective way to convey to potential consumers that a company uses good business practices, is involved in the community, cares and is trustworthy and reputable. The savvy business professional in and around Freeport already knows that that the number of phone calls that come into chamber offices every week for referrals is unbelievable. Handling phone inquiries from folks preparing to visit the Freeport area are just one of many of the everyday referral services provided by the chamber, and the flood of calls seeking referral information is not limited to folks from out of town. “People call for insurance
agents, for cleaning services, for places to buy specific items, auto repair, entertainment,” FACC Member Services coordinator Tiffany King said. “The list goes on and on and the
common denominator is that they want reputable businesses. They feel that they will find them in the Chamber of Commerce membership.” She said that the Chamber also tries very hard to keep its members informed and connected with business practices and services that affect their daily business dealings. “We schedule luncheons to keep our members informed at a time they can take a break from their business and still get some information while eating lunch,” she said. “We have early
morning and late in the day events to try to catch as many members as possible.” Need to spread the word about a special offering or event? The chamber will print two sets of labels per year at no
cost or send postcards, flyers and more to a ready-made, up to date mailing database of almost 500 members. The chamber also offers relocation packets and community demographics available at the chamber office (great for realtors) Contact the chamber offices for copies. Relocation packets are $1.00 per packet for Chamber members, $2.00 per packet for non chamber members. Advertising in the chamber’s Freeport Community Map is also available. Please contact the chamber offices for more information. Business cards and brochures of all chamber members are displayed at the chamber office for no cost and there are advertising opportunities on the chamber website: www.freeportilchamber.com “By continuing to harness the power of all its members, the FACC is on the cutting edge of economic changes,” King said. “By capitalizing on its most valuable resource - its people your chamber can continue to provide you with those specialized services that make your climb up the ladder to success easier.” Communication: a strong foundation for growth Many businesses utilize the newsletter as a means of telling their customers about new products and services, as well as changes that are happening within the company. FACC is no exception. Its newsletter, the Communicator serves as a link between the chamber staff and its members, while providing an opportunity for the organization to interact with the public.
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FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Grimes said his organization’s newsletter promotes chamber members in a positive way, and lets the public know what is going on in the business community. “We take great pride in promoting and marketing our members with articles and stories in the Member News and the New Member sections of the Communicator,” Grimes said. “Beyond our membership, it is also important for the public to have an understanding of what our members are doing.” He said that because the FACC has a large membership and a small staff, a newsletter allows the organization to relay
its positive message while providing the public with the opportunity to speak directly with the chamber. “We are very pleased with the response we receive from our readers,” Grimes noted. “I always receive positive feedback from folks saying that they enjoy reading the Communicator because it not only keeps them abreast of what is going on in the business community, but also allows them to look ahead and prepare for future developments.” A glance through the current version of the Communicator will show a clear attempt to achieve those goals. The New Member Spotlight and Preferred Member Spotlight provide an intimate look behind the “who, what, where, when, how, and why” of both new and established area businesses. Recent lead articles ranging from stories about residents that help Freeport’s charitable organizations, to the arrival of new businesses and employment opportunities, to
the boom in area agriculture and new downtown food shops go beyond the news to specifically target the folks behind the scenes. Exciting new projects are on the way including new sections in the Communicator, and an updated, more interactive Internet presence. “The Communicator is just one of the tools that we depend on to show those Freeport area businesses that aren’t participating how and where to get involved with the business community,” Grimes said “We need to talk about the good things that are happening every day in Freeport and stay positive.” Another advantage chamber members are finding through the Communicator is its ability to bring their message to thousands of readers every month at affordable prices. The Journal Standard offers reduced advertising rates for all chamber members in the Communicator. Please call Machelle Holverson at (815) 232-1171 for more information. The communicator is inserted into the Journal Standard on the 3rd Thursday of every month and distributed to over 10,000 people and is available online at www.journalstandard.com All members in the preferred membership program get “upgraded” advertising opportunities in our Communicator and on our website, as well as at all major chamber events throughout the year. Contact the chamber offices for more information. The chamber, like any organization, is only as strong as its membership. Your participation will help the Freeport Area Chamber of Commerce drive growth, opportunity, and prosperity in the 21st century. Use your chamber membership as your gateway to success. ■
www.freeportilchamber.com
MEMBERspotlight Curves Curves has nearly 10,000 clubs in more than 85 countries serving more than 4 million members. Its innovative, 30minute fitness concept combines strength training and sustained cardiovascular activity through safe and effective hydraulic resistance. “We offer a three minute workout designed just for women,” said Freeport Curves owner/operator Carolyn Lutzow. “You get an hour and a half workout that you do at any other gym, but with Curves you do it in about a half hour.” Lutzow said she took over operation of the Curves Freeport facility in August, 2011. “I originally thought about operating an exercise facility way back in the 1980’s,” Lutzow said. “For one reason or another it never came about, but I had worked at the Curves in Freeport for several years so I was familiar with the program and when it came up for sale
everything fell into place and it made sense to buy it and make it work.” She said they are introducing a new diet program endorsed by Curves called Curves Complete. “Curves Complete is a specially designed, 90 day weight loss program that combines diet, exercise, and motivation to help you reach your weight loss goals,” Lutzow said. “I’m working on gaining my certification so I can move ahead and provide instruction for a Freeport Curves Complete.” For now, Lutzow is busy building membership and finding new ways to provide a healthy lifestyle for her clients. “We have started offering Zumba classes twice a week and it is very popular,” she said. “It’s a blast. I’m not very good at it, but I’m still having a lot of fun.” She said building camaraderie CONTINUED
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whether you enjoy your morning newspaper or reading the daily news online...
27 S. State Ave • Downtown Freeport • 815-232-1171 check us out online at www.journalstandard.com
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FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Ribboncuttings
The Chamber cut the ribbon at RBG Supply in downtown Freeport. It was our honor to be there to celebrate this very special day! If you are looking for a local company to buy cleaning supplies, paper products, and more, give them a call! Congratulations to RBG Supply and Welcome to Freeport!
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MEMBERnews Lena Living Center Tuesday, December 20 the Lena Living Center staff will be in Stockton for Blood Pressure Screens at Stella’s Cafe at 10:30 AM. Lena Living Center is located at 1010 S. Logan St. For more information, call the main office at 815-369-4561 or LaVonne at 815-541-4139. To learn more about the events and services available at the Lena Living Center visit them on the web at: www.lenalivingcenter.com Blood Pressure Screens Date: December 27, 2011 Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Tuesday, December 27 the Lena Living Center will be providing Blood Pressure Screens at Willow Park Apts located at 320 N. Park Blvd. in Freeport at 10:30 AM. Cookies will be provided to all participants. Blood Pressure Screens Date: December 27, 2011 Time: 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM Tuesday, December 27 the Lena Living Center will be providing Blood Pressure Screens at Dirck’s Apts. located at 1760 Dirck Street in Freeport
Business after Hours at Stewart and Associates December 15, 2011 Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Stewart & Associates, Inc. provides full-service security and investigative services to protect your business from internal or external threats. Services Include: Private Investigations - Using state-ofthe-art technology, we derive the
• Corporate Headquarters: Stewart Centre 50 West Douglas Street Suite 1200 Freeport, Illinois 61032 (815) 235-3807 (815) 235-1290 Fax • Rockford Location: Stewart Square 308 West State Street Suite 175 Rockford, Illinois 61101 (815) 961-0150 • Sterling Location: 319 First Avenue Sterling, Illinois 61081 (815) 625-9040. FHN Leonard C. Ferguson Cancer Center under construction If you haven’t been by FHN Memorial Hospital in a while, the sight of orange safety fencing and heavy construction equipment from one end of the campus to the other could be quite a shock. Don’t worry: The hospital remains open and in fact, FHN is in the middle of some exciting progress! Work on the east side of the campus is focused on providing more convenient
parking for patients and visitors at FHN Memorial Hospital. That project should be done before the end of 2011. Construction work on the west side of our campus, however, will last a little longer: With the support of the FHN Foundation and its Be Cancer Free campaign, FHN is expanding the medical oncology wing of the FHN Leonard C. Ferguson Cancer Center. Construction began in October and is expected to last through the beginning of March 2012. “This expansion will enable us to provide our chemotherapy patients a more comfortable, private and peaceful space to receive their treatments,” said Sue Hartje, Cancer Center director. “So many of our patients benefit from receiving their chemotherapy treatments here, close to home, but the demand has been so great that at times, patients had to undergo treatment in the radiation waiting room area.” The expansion will include eight more treatment stations and room to spare for future
facts and obtain information needed for worker’s compensation claims, insurance investigations, missing persons, criminal defense and other investigations. Pre-Employment & Background Investigations Providing criminal and civil court record checks, employer and reference verification and driving record history among other services for clients seeking to fill positions from executive level to minimum wage. Security & Patrol Services - From on-site patrol or complete system consultations, our team of security Allen’s Menswear professionals can meet the needs for a variety Auto Repair Specialists • Bocker Group of clients. Book World • Brown’s Shoes Legal Support & Cellular Connection • Cimino’s Little Italy Civil Process Services Culligan Water Conditioning • Deininger’s Floral Shop As professional private investigators, we can Eilert’s • Fitness Nutrition • Flachtemeier Monuments locate and serve even Flack Sewing • Floor to Ceiling Store • Four Seasons/Freeport Lanes, Inc. the hard to find. Freeport Shopping News • Furst McNess Co. • Freeport Glass Co. LiveScan Freeport Lawn & Leisure • Higher Grounds Coffee • Hillside Studio Fingerprinting - As part of our thorough Imperial Palace • Iron-T Junction • Jiffy Lube • Joe’s Pizza • Kent Bank pre-employment and Kurt Koester Studio • L.P. Scientific • Lindo Theater/Classic Cinemas background Loescher Heating & A/C • Luecke Jewelers • Maurices screenings, Merle Norman Cosmetics • Ross Auto Glass fingerprinting Rite-Way Furniture & Appliance • Sanitary Cleaners • Skate Station technology is available for employers such as Slumberland Furniture • Soundwerks Plus • State Bank schools, hazmat Stone’s Hallmark • Town House Motel • Wagner Business licensing, healthcare Whole Body Studio and many others.
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at 9:30 AM. Cookies will be provided to all participants. For more information please call the Lena Living Center main office at 815-369-4561 or LaVonne at 815-541-4139. Visit them on the web at: www.lenalivingcenter.com Lena Living Center is located at 1010 S. Logan St.
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FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
expansion. It is the second phase of a multi-year project at the Cancer Center; the first phase began with the installation of a new linear accelerator in 2010 to bring an advanced form of radiation therapy called VMAT Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy - to FHN. The FHN Leonard C. Ferguson Cancer Center is affiliated with the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, one of just 40 comprehensive centers in the United States, as designated by the National Cancer Institute. This year’s FHN Festival of Trees events benefit the FHN Foundation’s Be Cancer Free campaign. For more information on the campaign, to purchase tickets to this year’s FHN Festival of Trees Partini or to donate to the campaign, visit www.fhn.org and click on the “Jingle All the Way” logo in the center of the page. Classic Cinemas reaches milestone with 100th screen This past July, construction began at Classic Cinemas York Theatre, located at 150 N. York
St. in downtown Elmhurst, where a 10th auditorium was recently added - bringing the total number of Classic Cinemas screens to 100. This is a milestone for the theatre chain,
which operates 13 theatres in 12 communities throughout the northern Illinois area. To mark the unveiling of the 10th screen, a Big Ticket Tear Ceremony took place on November 16th conducted by Willis, Shirley and Chris Johnson, owners of Classic Cinemas, and Elmhurst Mayor Peter DiCianni. “When we acquired the York Theatre in 1982, it was a single screen,” says Willis Johnson, president of Classic Cinemas. Built in 1924, the York Theatre in Elmhurst is Classic Cinemas’ second oldest theatre. Johnson adds, “For the past five years, adding a 10th screen has been on my mind.” With nine screens,
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the York found it challenging to play all the product that comes out of Hollywood in a timely fashion. “An additional screen will give us the opportunity to offer our patrons more movie choices,” explains Johnson. The York is an anchor for the downtown Elmhurst business district, and attendance continues to grow at the theatre. “We draw from Elmhurst and the surrounding communities as well,” says Mark Mazrimas, marketing manager for Classic Cinemas. The new auditorium features the latest Digital 3D equipment and offers stadium seating for 180 patrons plus six additional for handicapped patrons and rocker seats in the first two rows. The 10th screen opened just in time for the midNovember pre-holiday movie release cycle. Classic Cinemas, based in Downers Grove, Illinois is a family-owned company operated by Willis, Shirley and Chris Johnson. Established in 1978, Classic Cinemas operates 13 theatres and soon will offer 100 screens in northern Illinois area. For more information on Classic Cinemas, please visitwww.classiccinemas.com. Cub Cares Cub Cares Community Brat Stand set a record this year taking home around $51,000 total (final number coming). 5-year total
around $196,000. Thank you to Cub Fooods for helping out our local not-forprofit organizations! Choose from hot dogs, hamburgers or cheddar burgers, brats, pork chop sandwiches & Cub’s signature Angus steak sandwich. FHN Parent Educator Honored at International Conference Cindi Runte, a parent educator with the FHN Family Counseling Center’s Parent Enrichment Program, was one of just five individuals honored as Parent Educator of the Year at the recent Parents as Teachers Conference in St. Louis, Mo.
Runte, along with four other parent educators from Connecticut, Georgia, Missouri and New Mexico, accepted the Parent Educator of the Year award before conference participants representing early childhood, child care, health, mental health, social services, government and business professionals from across the nation and the world Nov. 6. “The Parent Educator of the Year awards are intended to honor those individuals and affiliate programs whose practices exemplify the mission of Parents as Teachers,” said FHN PAT program supervisor Beth Johnson. “No one is more deserving of the award than Cindi. She has touched so many lives and we are so lucky to have her as part of our program.” CONTINUED
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FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
continued from page 10
Johnson continued: “A quote from one of the families Cindi works with sums up the impact she’s had on the families she works with - ‘All the support, encouragement and teaching Cindi has given us makes us feel as though she is a part of our family! Cindi is an incredible parent educator who truly cares about the families she works with. She would do just about anything for us and we would do the same for her. We are blessed
to have Cindi in our lives!’” FHN Family Counseling Center’s Parent Enrichment Program has been supporting hundreds of area families through Parents as Teachers for more than 20 years. The program provides parenting information and support to local families throughout pregnancy and until their child enters kindergarten. Children are born learners and learn the most from the people they love - their parents. The Parent Enrichment Program assists parents as their
child’s first and most important teacher and helps to promote a strong and healthy parent-child relationship. About Parents as Teachers: Headquartered in St. Louis, Mo., Parents as Teachers champions the critical role of parental involvement and early intervention in a child’s development. Parents as Teachers supports a network of professionals and organizations who serve more than 300,000 families across the country and around the world through a proven parent education model. For more information, visit www.ParentsAsTeachers.org. The Jane Addams Recreation Trail will remain open during the 2011/2012 Illinois Hunting seasons. The Jane Addams Trail Commission strongly recommends that anyone using the trail during designated hunting dates wear the standard, hunter-recognized blaze orange apparel. Signs will be posted on the trail with this recommendation. Hunters are
of-way. This season’s hunting dates are: November 18, 19, 20; December 1, 2, 3, 4; 9, 10, 11 Muzzleloader; 29, 30, 31; January 1, 13, 14, and 15. Further information about the Jane Addams Trail is available by contacting the Freeport/ Stephenson County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 815-2331357 or visiting the Trail website at www.janeaddamstrail.com. Lena Living Center open house Date: December 23, 2011 Time: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Please join us on Friday December 23, 2011 between the hours of 8 AM and 4 PM for homeade cookies, and hot spiced apple cider. Enjoy your snack in one of our festively decorated sitting rooms or in our
Anna Ferguson, Renata Dadez-Hepler, Marci White and Alicia Koegel were on hand to congratulate Cindi Runte (third from left) for being honored as a Parent Educator of the Year.
Compassionate care when you need it most.
18 W . Stephenson Street • F.A. Read Center, Freeport, IL 61032 • 815.233.2600
Serving Ogle, Stephenson, Carroll & JoDavies Counties
W hen a cure is
no longer an option,
H ospice can help.
To learn more about the hospice medicare benefit,
call 815.233.2600.
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not allowed to hunt on, carry weapons on, or shoot across, the trail right-of-way, or to use the trail as an access to hunting areas. Hunters are allowed to cross the trail, and to retrieve game that has fallen on the trail right-
spacious living room while listening to holiday music. Our helpful staff will be available to answer all of your questions. For more information about the open house or the services we have to offer please call our main office at 815-369-4561 or LaVonne at 815-541-4139. Lena Living Center is located at 1010 S. Logan St. To learn more about the events and services available at the Lena Living Center visit them on the web at: www.lenalivingcenter.com
Happy Holidays SERVICE SELECTION SATISFACTION Carpets, Vinyl, Tile, Hardwoods, & Laminates 1308 South Armstrong Avenue, Freeport, IL 61032 Phone: (815) 232-9060 Fax: (815) 232-9084
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FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Natural Healing Express opens in Freeport Natural Healing Express, LLC announced today the opening of its second location in Illinois at 840 West Meadows Drive, Freeport, Illinois, 61032 at the Iron T Junction facility. Natural Healing Express specializes in natural health products and services, opening the first location in Illinois at 204 W. Main St in Lena in August, 2011. Natural Healing Express was founded to assist individuals in getting to the root cause of health concerns as quickly and efficiently as possible. After finding root cause, Natural Healing Express believes in matching a healing protocol to each client’s Bio-Individuality. Natural Healing Express is extremely unique in its approach of working directly with clients to identify BioIndividuality, which regards one’s specific health constitution based on many factors such as genetics, environment, situational adaptation, emotional intelligence, coping mechanisms, nutritional intake, chemistry and spiritual development.
silk screen printing, embroidery and heat transfer. Iron T works with several sporting teams throughout the Tri State area.
Natural Healing Express was founded by Susan Schafer, PhD, a native of Lena, Illinois and longtime resident of Playa Del Rey, California and Indianapolis, Indiana. Schafer has cultivated a lifelong passion for natural health and holds several certifications and degrees in association with her Doctorate in Natural Health. She attended the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in New York, New York and became the first Board Certified Iridologist in the state of Indiana and the second in Illinois as recognized by International Iridology Practitioners Association (IIPA). Natural Healing Express at Iron T was made possible by Susan’s Aunt, Joanne Schamberger; matriarch of the family owned and operated Iron T Junction established in 1977. Iron T Junction specializes in personalized apparel involving
openness to natural health alternatives for their wellness.” Natural Healing Express was founded in conjunction with the Natural Whole Life Institute whose mission focuses on the education, empowerment, advancement and inspiration of individuals seeking Natural Whole Life Wellness encompassing the behavioral, physical intellectual, emotional, spiritual and elements. Services include: Computerized Nutritional Analysis, Stress Reduction Training, Iridology, Comprehensive Wellness Analysis, Depression Counseling and Recovery, Essential Oil/Aromatherapy, Herbology and Supplemental Consulting. Visit them on the web at: www.naturalhealingexpress.com For More Information: email skscham@aol.com For appointments/questions: Phone 815 990 8732.
“Iron T is excited to have Natural Healing Express at our location,” said Schamberger. “Iron T has operated successfully in Freeport since the 80’s and we especially enjoy working with all of our customers in a family atmosphere. We thought Natural Healing Express would bring a great service to our current clients and diversity to those just finding out about us.” Schafer shares the enthusiasm of working with family, “We are excited to expand Natural Healing Express to the Freeport area, especially working with Auntie Joanne and Cousin Wendy. We are fortunate to have this opportunity and look forward to offering our products and services to the fine folks of Pretzel City. I am very encouraged by the wisdom of the people here and their
Neurologist Seema Kumar, MD Joins FHN FHN welcomes neurologist Seema Kumar to northwest Illinois. Dr. Kumar sees patients at FHN Specialty Care - Harlem Avenue in Freeport. She has experience in treating patients with a wide range of neurological conditions, including stroke, migraines/headaches, seizures/epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, tremors, neuropathy and muscle/nerve disorders.
Dr. Kumar earned her medical degree from Dayanand Medical College in Ludhiana, Punjab, India. After her residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in
Jackson, Miss., Dr. Kumar completed a fellowship in epilepsy at University of Michigan Health Systems in Ann Arbor, Mich. She has joined the FHN Neurology department and will see patients both at her Harlem Avenue office and atFHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport. To make an appointment with Dr. Kumar, call the FHN Neurology department at 815599-7788. Toy Drive Participate in the Toy Drive for the Salvation Army! Just look for participating Freeport area retailers and bring a new or gently used toy to their store between November 20 and December 15. Stop by Freeport Public Library to vote on your favorite Gingerbread House on November 20 and again on November 28 through December 17. ■
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and helping folks achieve a healthy lifestyle is driving her business at this point. “Curves in Freeport is a fun place to exercise,” Lutzow said. Curves is about fitness, health, and moving away from disease. Curves is about gaining strength and losing weight. Curves is about reaching your goals in a community of support and encouragement. Curves is about Strengthening Women. For more information about Curves and what you can do to benefit from their programs contact Carolyn Lutzow at 815.233.1766 or stop by the gym at 2026 West Galena Av, Freeport. Or visit them on the web at www.curves.com Wall of Yarn Knitting is the latest craze and yes, Freeport is knitting. Wall of Yarn co-owners Jeffery Wall and Dennis Rinkenberger say the rise in popularity of knitting is due in part to the number of new yarns to hit the market. “Years ago, the only yarn out there was craft yarn, now there are hundreds of yarn
FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE companies, each offering dozens of different yarns,” Rinkenberger said. Their Wall of Yarn shop at 14 West Stephenson St, Freeport is a testimony to his words. “Our walls are lined with hundreds of yarns from many different companies, some of which don’t look like what most people think of as yarn,” he said. “Each one has a different color and texture. Come on in and surprise yourself.” Wall of Yarn opened to acclaim in April, 2011 and continues to offer a growing selection of yarns, tools and regular instruction sessions that are almost as social an occasion as they are instructional. “There was no yarn shop here and we moved here from Chicago to open one,” Rinkenberger said. “Now we are just trying to stay ahead of the demand.”
He explained that they constantly add new inventory and knitting accessories including tools. “In yarns, fiber content is everything,” he said. “Most of the stuff you get at the big box stores is an acrylic and wool blend, but most of our yarns feature tghe more unique fibers like hemp yarns, alpaca and bamboos and corn fibers. The difference between our natural fibers and those synthetic fibers is amazing.” He said they also supply locally produced woolen fibers that feature natural coloring. “People are still finding out that we are here,” Rinkenberger said. “We are working hard to get word out and our open sessions are beginning to draw attention.” The Wall of Yarn open sessions allow for folks to come into the shop and work on their personal projects in a kittingfriendly atmosphere. “We are here to help,”
Rinkenberger said. “We chit-chat and have refreshments and host the sessions twice a week; some folks have questions about patterns or they are actually knitting something and it is not coming out to the right size, so we help them get to the finished product that they are looking for.” He said they also offer a large selection of patterns both for sale and on-line for reference so folks can fill just about all their knitting needs at the Wall of Yarn. Learn more about the enjoyment of knitting. Stop by the Wall of Yarn at 14 West Stephenson St Freeport on Tuesday evenings for an open session from 7 to 9 PM or Friday afternoon from 1 to 3. Regular store hours are Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays 9 to 5, Tuesdays from 11 to 9 PM and Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 to 2 PM, or call Jeffery or Dennis at 815.616.8402. You can also visit Wall of Yarn on ■ Facebook.
New and Renewed
MEMBERS NEW:
SEEMA KUMAR, MD FHN welcomes neurologist Seema Kumar, MD to FHN Specialty Care – Harlem Avenue in Freeport. Dr. Kumar earned her medical degree from Dayanand Medical College in Ludhiana, Punjab, India. She completed her residency in neurology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi. She served an epilepsy fellowship at University of Michigan Health Systems in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Dr. Kumar has experience in treating patients with a wide range of conditions, including stroke, migraines/headaches, seizures/epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, tremors, neuropathy and muscle/nerve disorders. To make an appointment with Dr. Kumar at FHN Specialty Care – Harlem Avenue, call 815-599-7788 or toll-free 1-877-6000-FHN (1-877-600-0346) ext. 952. www.fhn.org
New Pathways Wellness Center • Book World Mary Kay/Independent Beauty Consultant-Brittany Schaw Lafferty Insurance Royal Oaks Antiques & Collectables RENEWED: Papa Murphy’s • Freeport Industrial Roofing Park Hills Evangelical Free Church Tom & Joanne Lammers • Beggin Tipp Lamm LLC Gills Freeport Disposal • Shoe Sensation Nationwide Inbound Inc. • Timber Lake Playhouse Gills Business Group • Aqua Land Critter Camp Exotic Pet Sanctuary Parkview Home • Fairway Ford Lincoln Sullivan’s Foods • Midwest Community Bank Realtor Association of Northwestern Illinois Tender Loving Care • Baumgartner Automotive C.J. Vitner Co., Inc. • Anchor Harvey Components LLC NICAA • Oakley Courts Assisted Living Kurt Koester Studio • Baumgartner Furniture Services Freeport School District #145
Auto Detailing
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815-232-4519 Construction
Dotson Construction Remodeling, Building & Repair
CARS-R-US SERVICE CENTER 515 N TURNER ST DAVIS, IL 61019 (815) 865-5292 ASE Certified Mechanics Jeff Kaderly, Jeff Doescher
Customer Service Lori Hille Major to Minor Repairs New & Used Tires Most Brands 4-15-12
FREEPORT, IL Licensed/Insured Lead Certified
26 Yrs Experience Hauling Lawn Mowing
815-238-8884 1-8-12
12-6-12
Drywall
WILL DRYWALL
your addition or remodel. Also will do patch work, texturing & painting. Insured.
815-493-6328 11-11-12
Handyman
D.I.Y. Handy-man •Home Repairs •Lawns Unlimited •For Outdoor Needs Call Bob, 815-232-5379 3-29-12
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FALL Please call now to TUNE schedule UP your Avoid furnace mid-winter equipment tune failure! and $ check. 72
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HWY 75 E. OF FREEPORT
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CA LL JO HN 815 -23 5-2 240 5-22-12
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YOU CALL! WE HAUL! •Yard
Waste •Brush •Trash •Cleanouts •Gravel •Dirt •YOU TELL US!
CITY HAUL
233-GONE (4663) 2-29-12
IL Lic. #058-093097
• Kitchen and Bath Remodels • Water Softeners • Water Heaters • Drain Cleaning
815-233-1726 FAMILY OWNED FOR 40 YEARS. 4-25-12
CUSTOM FINANCING
CARS-R-US TALS
PLUMBING
12-28-11
HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
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815-235-1667
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HANDYMAN SERVICE
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STEVE GRAY
~ Senior Citizen Discounts ~
1-2-13
By Appointment Only
(815)238-3434
Quality & Value Since 1991
CALL : 815-232-2171
Since 1993 MARK BAKER
1530 Burckhardt Ln. Freeport, IL 61032
ADVERTISE YOUR SERVICE HERE!!!
Heating & AC
Pets
• Lily, 1.5 yr, female lab/pit mix • BamBam, 1.5 yr male pitbull • Sally, female fox hound UNDER 1 YEAR: • Bella 7 mo female pitbull • Molly, 8 mo femal pitbull • Tira, 10 female pitbull • Pistol, 10 mo male pitbull •Dug,9 mo neutered male lab mix • Pugsly, neutered male pug mix LOTS OF CATS & KITTENS
FREEPORT
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815.232.4916
www.petfinders.com/shelter/il235.html 8-12-12
Painting
LORI’S PAINTING
Interior, Exterior, Wallpaper Services. Specializing in wall & ceiling repair with texture spray. Free Estimates & Insured!
815-297-5406 5-20-12
Stump Removal
STUMP BUSTER Most Stumps $10 - $30
815-369-2169 4-15-12
Water Treatment SOFTENER SERVICE
Service Call Special $19.95 All makes & models. No charge if we can't fix it! Over 25 yrs. exp.
815-543-0791 4-13-12
Advertise your service here and be seen in The Journal-Standard, The Scene and on www.journalstandard.com. CALL 815-232-2171.
HOSPITAL DON’T WAS TAKEN THINK OF IT FROM THE WORD AS A HOSPITAL. HOSPITALITY. Think of it as a hotel with doctors.
At the new Monroe Clinic Hospital you’ll find a unique combination. State-of-the-art technology including the da Vinci® Surgical System along with personal care and attention. Get better faster with advanced surgical services close to home. Learn more about da Vinci at monroeclinic.org. OPE NS SPRING 2 012